Research suggests the number of games that will go into overtime and end up tied will climb slightly. Over the last five years, with the 15-minute period in use, the league averaged about one tie game each season. Projections show that could climb to three.

“We don’t think it will lead to more ties,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said, joining a number of coaches who said they expect a more aggressive strategy in overtime.

Also, the 2021 Super Bowl was moved from Los Angeles to Tampa. Five days after the opening of the $2.6 billion football stadium in Inglewood, California, was pushed back to 2020 – construction delays caused by Los Angeles’ uncommonly wet winter were blamed – league owners approved the move. Owners voted unanimously to give the February 2021 game to Tampa, and have the Rams’ and Chargers’ new home host the 2022 Super Bowl.

The NFL would have needed to waive a rule that prohibits a Super Bowl being played at a stadium before it has hosted two full regular seasons. Instead it chose to move the game to Tampa, runner-up to Los Angeles in the bidding.

The NFL also showed it wants to return a little bit of Broadway next season. After years of limiting how – and how much – players could celebrate following touchdowns , the league decided to loosen up its rules, allowing players to again use the football as a prop, celebrate as a group and roll around or flap their arms like snow angels on the ground again if they choose.

In an email from Goodell sent to fans in an effort to deliver “a more exciting game experience,” the commissioner said the new guidelines came after conversations with more than 80 current and former players.

Asked whether he celebrated the new guidelines, Goodell laughed.

“I did,” he said. “I can’t tell you how.”

The league will continue to penalize any celebration deemed offensive or in bad taste, including those that embarrass opponents or mimic the use of weapons. If celebrations are deemed a violation by on-field officials, players could still be penalized under existing unsportsmanlike conduct and taunting violations, as well as fined.

CORTEZ KENNEDY, one of the best defensive linemen of his generation for the Seattle Seahawks and a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, died in Orlando, Florida, at age 48.

Police said the circumstances surrounding his death are still unknown but that there’s nothing suspicious. An investigation is being conducted.

PATRIOTS: New England and Jacksonville will practice together for two days in advance of their exhibition opener.

They will work out on Aug. 7-8. The teams are scheduled to play at Gillette Stadium on Aug. 10.

SAINTS: Two players of the 2009 Super Bowl championship squad, linebacker Jonathan Vilma and guard Carl Nicks, will be the next inductees into the team’s Hall of Fame.

Both players joined New Orleans in 2008, Nicks as a rookie and Vilma in a trade with the New York Jets.

TITANS: Quarterback Marcus Mariota, who broke his leg five months ago, has progressed through his rehabilitation from only taking snaps from center, to dropping back, and then moving on to handing the ball off.

“I know he’d like to do more, he looks like he can do more,” Coach Mike Mularkey said. “Again, it’s May. We’ve got time.”

• The team agreed to terms with cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, a first-round draft choice..

Here at MaineToday Media we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion.

To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use. Click here to flag and report a comment that violates our terms of use.